Bring on Spring!

One of my favorite things about living in D.C. is the fact that we get a nice early spring that lasts a while. 

• Often by early March, we are starting to have much warmer weather, which always boosts my mood.

• Soon the magnolia and cherry blossom trees will burst with pink color and other flowering plants will bloom.

In spring, nature is getting a new, fresh start, and that can be true for us as well. Many of us will do spring cleaning and decluttering of our house, but what if we did the same with our physical and mental health habits?

• Maybe start a daily meditation or gratitude journaling practice.

• Commit to daily walks after lunch or dinner.

• Switch from heavy winter meals that ground us to lighter warm cooked foods.

• Begin a 3-time a week strength training program.

Springtime is a time of renewal, a perfect time for a fresh start in our health and wellness routine. The warmer weather will motivate us to exercise and spend more time outdoors. We will also naturally gravitate toward lighter foods that support and nourish the body.

• Cooked foods are still best for our body at this point so leave your raw vegetable salads for summer when heating Pitta energy is dominant.

According to Ayurveda, spring and its heavy, moist, cool Kapha qualities bring relief from the cold, dry, light Vata air of winter.

• To counteract the heaviness of spring, choose light, warm, and easily digestible foods, such as soups, steamed vegetables, and light grains. Avoid heavy, greasy, and overly spicy foods that could aggravate Pitta.

• Spring’s added moisture and heaviness will benefit Vata dominant constitutions providing more grounding and stability. However, excess moisture can lead to more mucus, colds, and runny noses, so be sure to eat a well-balanced diet and drink plenty of warm fluids to ward off illness.

• If you tend toward a Vata constitution, your skin will be happier in spring with its added moisture. Kapha dominant individuals may want to counteract the heaviness of Kapha springtime with more exercise.

According to Ayurveda, spring is also a great opportunity to cleanse, detoxify, and reset. Just as the earth begins to bloom, the body can be supported by letting go of excess accumulation from the colder months (such as stored fat and toxins).

• Now would be a great time to try intermittent fasting or time-restricted eating.

• Cooked vegetables, whole grains, lentils, and other plant proteins are cleansing.

• Spices such as ginger, turmeric, cumin and coriander also help to stimulate digestion and eliminate toxins.

• Dry brushing and self-massage with light oils, such as sesame, also help detox the body.

Send me an email at inspirebyjill@gmail.com or subscribe to my website blog to get further information about Ayurvedic tips for spring!